Pharmacy
This building, which currently houses the Līgatne Winery store, was used as a pharmacy until 2019. Constructed in 1895, the building initially served as a store. It was the first public building constructed by the executives of the Līgatne Paper Mill after the great fire at the factory in January 1884. After World War I, the pharmacy was relocated here from the paper mill’s grounds.
The building has also had its share of horror, such as in 1944 as the German Army dropped two bombs on Līgatne, setting the pharmacy roof on fire. The community came together to save the pharmacy by passing water in buckets from a pond in a human chain. Their collective efforts paid off, and the pharmacy was not completely destroyed.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, a market was held every Saturday at what is now the Spriņģu iela, between the pharmacy building on one side and the Society House on the other side. Horse tie rails were set up along both sides of the road. Traders from surrounding villages would come to sell various products and goods from their carts. This was a major event for the local residents who gathered to stock up on supplies for the week. These markets were held until 1935.
Local guide and history enthusiast Rasma Vanaga recorded the memories of the local resident Velta Ozola: ‘If the market was held on Saturdays, bakers would pass by the houses in horse-drawn carriages on Sunday mornings, delivering their goods. In the 1930s, there were two bakers in the settlement of the Līgatne Paper Mill – Auer and Naser. Most of the elderly people only remember Auer, who was apparently the more favoured baker. Both gentlemen used small horns, each with a different sound. As they travelled through the streets, they would honk at each house to let the housewives know which baker had arrived. Auer’s bakery was located at the Auer’s homestead, on the Spriņģi Hill. Auer would sell not only fresh bread but also pretzels and various pastries. The so-called ‘Fastelavn Cakes’ with rose oil were particularly delicious.’
